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Thousands of people visit the islands regularly and enjoy the sun, san, turquoise waters, local hot spots and restaurants and all of the in between. Perhaps you’ve already visited here, and absolutely loved it — because who are we kidding, everyone loves it! But, what do you really know about the islands?

First things first, The Abacos are a beautiful group of islands that are on the northeastern edge of the Bahamas. The islands are made up of Little Abaco, Great Abaco and 13 small cays and nearly 17,000 people call the islands home. Before this was a tropical haven for tourists (and locals) the land was inhabited by tribes of Lucayan Indians dating back to pre-Columbian times. Then, European loyalists arrived after running from the American Revolution. The Lucayan Indians had since moved away or were gone from the area at this time. The Loyalists came from New York and were very drawn to the land in the area, and all of its beauty. So then came the town of Carleton on Great Abaco. The new inhabitants were farmers, fisherman and salvaged goods from shipwrecks in the reefs around the Bahamas. As the group grew from 600 to thousands, the soil eventually depleted and cotton crops failed. So, the new residents headed off the island in search for a new home and left only a few hundred folks behind. Without all the crops, what were these people to do? Well, they went back to making a living utilizing the beautiful waters and all it had to offer. Because of utilizing the waters, The Abacos gained quite the reputation for boat-building. If you’ve ever looked around while visiting, you may have noticed all the pine forests throughout the island. These were ideal trees for crafting boats.

Fast forward to today, you could still say The Abacos are a regular refuge for people from all over. They come for an enjoyable escape and are welcomed by the warm sun and sand and refreshing waters. Now you can find tons of hotels, restaurants, bars and much more all around the islands. You can still come here to enjoy boating and fishing, which is highly recommended, but the waters are full of other activities like scuba diving, paddle boarding, snorkeling and kayaking too. When visiting The Abacos, make sure you ask locals about the history of their island to learn more in depth information that you may not already know, and visit the Wyannie Malone Museum for some fascinating visual and factual information. You won’t be disappointed with your visit to the islands.

If you’re unfamiliar with The Abacos, they are a group of islands and barrier cays in the northern Bahamas. This 120-mile-long chain of paradise is home to beautiful beaches, warm breezes, sunshine and, you guessed it, scuba diving adventures.

Now, if you’ve dived in the Bahamas before, The Abacos are a completely different experience. The waters are relatively shallow and most areas are 60 feet or less in depth. The fringing reefs you’ll find in these waters are extremely ornate. There is actually an extinct coral base with Star and Elkhorn corals growing on top creating the beautiful formations you will see. You’ll also find cathedral-like caverns in the form of an underwater maze as you’re swimming around.These tunnels formed from tidal flow hitting against the base reef. You’ll also be experiencing the third largest barrier reef in the world, which is saying a lot for a smaller island area.

With more than 100 miles of reef to explore, the visibility is ideal in the turquoise waters, and is usually over 100 feet. Of course, weather can affect visibility, but with lots of sunshine, The Abacos are considered a great diving destination all year round. Just a heads up, June through October is hurricane season and October to June is considered best for shark diving. Be ready to experience lush coral gardens, steep drop-offs, plenty of fishes and even friendly sharks and rays.

If you aren’t a diving aficionado, or are in need of a lesson, they are available. Here are some places you can work with to get your feet wet.

Lesson prices vary by each company and can range from $150-$350. If you are already an avid diver, you can pay for dive excursions as opposed to lessons. If you are already a certified scuba diver and are able to dive on your own, remember to bring your certification card for proof. Otherwise, you will not be able to venture off on your own, or will have to complete lessons again.

The Abacos are considered a great place to learn how to scuba dive. Before you venture out and “dive in,” you will first be introduced to all the pieces of scuba gear. Generally, with each of the businesses listed above, you will spend the first few hours learning on land and in a pool. This gets you comfortable with breathing underwater and you will learn skills like clearing your ears and how to use your buoyancy compensator (BC) inflate/deflate valve and how to ascend/descend properly. Some of the gear you can expect to learn about includes a face mask, BC, regulator, wet suit, tanks, snorkels, weight belt/weights, and fins.

Once you’ve completed your informational session, your instructors will take you out to the beautiful reef for some diving action. Have no fear, you won’t be left completely alone when you are out on the water. Your instructors and scuba companies will be with you each step of the way to make sure you are comfortable and safe.

For those who want to expand even further than just initial scuba lessons and a single experience on vacation, you can also work on getting your own scuba certification. If you will be in The Abacos longer than four days, that is plenty of time for you to get scuba certified. If you would prefer to get certified with a local dive center near you, it can take a few weeks since classes are generally one to two times per week. PADI (Professional Association of Divers) classes are what are widely offered on the island. Again, if you are certified when coming to visit The Abacos and plan to dive, please bring your certification for proof.

More advanced divers can further their experience and gain other certifications, or take courses like advanced open water, air diving, underwater photo and several others. There is even an option at many locations to become a dive master if you are looking to make a career out of scuba diving.

The northernmost island of Walker’s Cay has one of the most unique shark dives in all of The Bahamas. You can see groups of up to 150 sharks coming together when dive boat engines turn on in what looks like a coral arena. The sharks eat bait while divers can swim around with them. It may sound a little scary, but your dive instructors and guides will keep you safe.

The Cathedral: Huge cavern where shafts of sunlight dance on the floor

Tarpon Reef: High profile corals for a school of Tarpon and a huge Green Moray

Coral Caverns: A series of winding caverns filled with clouds of shiny Silversides

San Jacinto: 40ft.The wreck of a large steamship sunk in 1865

The Catacombs: A shallow sun-splattered cavern with abundant tropical fish

If you are ready to get your dive on, reach out to one of the local companies above or feel free to ask around at the Firefly Sunset Resort for some help, as someone will always be happy to help you have fun!

Getting married in the Bahamas or Firefly Sunset Resort? You must obtain a marriage license from the Bahamas.

Here’s a great tip from one guest of our recent wedding –

“Our family booked the resort for a wedding and we were so pleased with everything!! It was beautiful, elegant and delicious! The staff was accommodating and the service was warm and friendly. One major tip to share though: when getting married in the Bahamas you must have a Bahamian marriage license or you can not get married. Give yourself enough time to go over to Marsh Harbor to get it, as you can’t get one on Elbow.”

There are several requirements for obtaining a marriage license in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Here’s everything you need to know to be legally married here:

If you arrive via cruise ship, you’ll be required to obtain a letter from the Ship’s Purser/Guest Services confirming that you have met the residency period by being in Bahamian waters for 24 hours.

You need not apply for a license if you wish to renew your vows.

Please note: Marriage licenses and certificates are issued at the office of the Registrar General in Nassau. This office is open to the public Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Residency Period

Couples may apply a day after their arrival and can be married once they receive their approved license the day after application.

Proof of Identification and Residency

Both parties must produce a valid passport, birth certificate, and photo ID. The parties must also produce evidence of the date of their arrival in The Bahamas. The Bahamas Immigration Card or entry stamp in your passport will suffice.

Blood Test

No blood test is necessary.

Witnesses

Two witnesses, who are at least 18 years old, must sign your marriage license. If it’s just the two of you, witnesses can be provided.

Fees

The fee for a marriage license is $120, inclusive of one certified copy of a marriage certificate. Extra marriage certificates are available at $20 each.

Apostille

Many countries now require that official documents, such as international marriage certificates, be certified by the issuing country. In The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, this means that an Apostille (a special seal) is applied by the relevant authority to certify that a document is a true copy of an original. The Apostille can be made available to you within 30 days of the request; the cost for each one is $120. Your wedding planner or marriage officer will assist you in this regard.

Divorced

If either party has been divorced, the original final decree or a certified copy must be produced. Where applicable, a translated, certified and notarized copy of the final decree must be produced.

Minors

Minors (under 18 years) may be married with both parents’ consent. Consent forms for minors are available at the Registrar General’s office.

Single Persons

If either party is single and has never been married before, a declaration certifying this fact must be sworn before a notary public or other person authorized to administer oaths in the country of residence. This document must accompany the application for the marriage license. This declaration can also be obtained in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas from an attorney-at-law or notary public.

Widowed

If either party is widowed, the original death certificate or certified copy must be produced. Where applicable, a translated, certified and notarized copy of the death certificate must be produced.

Marrying Outside of New Providence and Grand Bahama Island

Couples wishing to be married on islands outside of New Providence and Grand Bahama Island can obtain a marriage license at the Administrator’s Office on that island.

FROM OUR FRIENDS AT BOOMERANG AIR CHARTER… Twitter: “Ready for the 7th annual SIP Hope Town??! Check out all the info about it in the latest Orlando Style Magazine! Come fly with us right from Orlando Executive airport! We’ll get you to the Bahamas in less than 90 minutes!”

The 2018 Regatta Time in Abaco Race Committee put together an exciting week of sailboat racing and parties that will ensure that everyone in the Bahamas knows it must be Regatta Time! Check out all the fun!

We are thrilled that American Airlines will be flying into Marsh Harbour. Making it even easier to visit Firefly Sunset Resort. We’re already booking up for 2019 so make your travel plans to see us now!

Charlotte Douglas International Airport’s dominant carrier, American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ: AAL), is bulking up its flight offerings to the Bahamas with weekly, nonstop flights to Eleuthera, a tiny, secluded island east of Nassau, and Marsh Harbour, a town in the Abaco Islands east of Freeport.

Both flights will start service Dec. 22, with ticket sales beginning May 14. The flights will operate on Saturdays year-round. Read more here….